Kids enjoying the ropes course at Amp Up Action Park, a fun family entertainment center.
Kids enjoying the ropes course at Amp Up Action Park, a fun family entertainment center.

Fun Things to Do as a Family Near Me: Your Ultimate St. Louis Guide

St. Louis stands out as an exceptional destination for families with children. This vibrant region boasts a wealth of free, world-class attractions, captivating events, and expansive public parks, solidifying its position as an unmatched choice for both quick weekend trips and extended vacations.

Whether you are navigating the city with toddlers or teenagers seeking more independence, St. Louis offers a diverse range of immersive and memorable activities that every family member can enjoy together.

Explore the upcoming kid-friendly events in St. Louis via our events calendar, and make sure to check out the top kid-friendly restaurants in St. Louis to refuel between your adventures.

Let’s dive into some of the best family-friendly attractions St. Louis has to offer:

Entertainment Complexes for Family Fun

Amp Up Action Park: Adventure for All Ages

Kids enjoying the ropes course at Amp Up Action Park, a fun family entertainment center.Kids enjoying the ropes course at Amp Up Action Park, a fun family entertainment center.

Amp Up Action Park promises non-stop excitement for every family member. Experience the thrill of racing on a custom-designed track in state-of-the-art indoor go-karts, or engage in an adrenaline-pumping laser tag battle in a unique three-level, black light arena. For more challenges, try the elevated ropes course, axe throwing (for older kids and adults), a wide selection of arcade games, and even pickleball. You can opt for pay-as-you-go activities or maximize the fun with a two-hour pass. When hunger strikes, the Filling Station Cafe and Trackside Tavern offer delicious bar bites, pizzas, and sweet treats. Parents can also relax and enjoy beer, wine, or sangria while the kids continue their playtime. Amp Up Action Park is a perfect spot for family fun near me, ensuring entertainment for all ages and interests.

Main Event Chesterfield: Unlimited Family Entertainment

Children playing various arcade games at Main Event, a popular family entertainment destination.Children playing various arcade games at Main Event, a popular family entertainment destination.

For a complete entertainment experience under one roof, Main Event in Chesterfield is the place to be. This venue is packed with activities designed to bring families and friends together, from classic bowling and laser tag to billiards and mini golf. Dive into a world of arcade games, step into a virtual reality adventure, test your agility on the indoor ropes course, or challenge your wits in miniature escape rooms. Don’t miss their Monday special – all-you-can-play for just $12.99 per person, offering incredible value for family fun. Main Event provides a fantastic range of activities, making it a top choice for families looking for fun things to do near me.

St. Louis Union Station: A Historic Hub of Family Activities

The mesmerizing 3D light show in the Grand Hall of St. Louis Union Station featuring aquatic animals from the St. Louis Aquarium.The mesmerizing 3D light show in the Grand Hall of St. Louis Union Station featuring aquatic animals from the St. Louis Aquarium.

St. Louis Union Station, once a bustling transportation hub, has transformed into a vibrant center for family-friendly entertainment. Catering to all age groups, Union Station boasts a classic carousel, a puzzling mirror maze, a fun miniature golf course, and an adventurous ropes course. Kids can also enjoy creating their own furry friend at the Build-A-Bear Workshop. Outside, the lake area features a captivating fire and light show, while inside the Grand Hall, a stunning 3D light show projects underwater scenes, Queen music visuals, and more. Union Station is also home to major attractions like the St. Louis Aquarium and the St. Louis Wheel, making it a central point for fun family activities near me.

Recreational Activities for Active Families

Adventure Valley: Zip Line Thrills for the Family

A child experiencing the thrill of zip-lining at Adventure Valley in St. Louis.A child experiencing the thrill of zip-lining at Adventure Valley in St. Louis.

Experience the exhilaration of flight at Adventure Valley, where ten zip lines propel you through the scenic wooded landscape of Jefferson County. One of the zip lines, stretching over 1,100 feet, lets you reach speeds up to 50 mph! For those who prefer ground-based activities, Adventure Valley also features a paintball park, open on weekends for participants aged 12 and older. Team up with your family for an exciting paintball tournament for a unique and active family outing. Adventure Valley offers exciting outdoor recreational activities, perfect for adventurous families seeking Fun Things To Do As A Family Near Me.

MADE for Kids: Creative Exploration and Making

Two young boys engaging in crafting activities at MADE for Kids, a creative space by The Magic House.Two young boys engaging in crafting activities at MADE for Kids, a creative space by The Magic House.

Unleash your family’s creativity at MADE for Kids, a 7,000-square-foot makerspace by The Magic House. Designed for children aged 4 to 14, this creative wonderland includes an immersive makers workshop, an artist’s studio, a design lab, and an entrepreneurs marketplace. Here, kids can explore their imaginations through tinkering, creating, inventing, and discovering. Watch as they experiment with screen printing, 3D printing, laser cutting, stop motion animation, and more. MADE for Kids is an inspiring and educational space for families looking for engaging and fun things to do near me that foster creativity and learning.

Raging Rivers WaterPark: Summer Splash Fun for Families

Children splashing in the Itty Bitty Surf City area of Raging Rivers WaterPark, a family-friendly water park.Children splashing in the Itty Bitty Surf City area of Raging Rivers WaterPark, a family-friendly water park.

Cool down and have a blast at Raging Rivers WaterPark, a water paradise for kids and families, especially during the St. Louis summer. Featuring thrilling water slides, a wave pool, and a relaxing lazy river, there’s something for everyone. Little ones can enjoy the Itty Bitty Surf City, while older kids can brave the Mississippi Monster slide. For a more relaxed experience, rent a cabana and enjoy refreshing drinks. In 2023, Raging Rivers hosts Kidsfest, with daily magic shows in June and dog shows in July, adding extra entertainment to your water park visit. Raging Rivers is the ultimate destination for families seeking fun, refreshing, and exciting things to do near me during the hot summer months.

Riverboats at the Gateway Arch: Historical River Cruises

The Gateway Arch Riverboats offering scenic views of the Gateway Arch and the working riverfront of St. Louis, a historical family experience.The Gateway Arch Riverboats offering scenic views of the Gateway Arch and the working riverfront of St. Louis, a historical family experience.

For unparalleled views of the iconic Gateway Arch and St. Louis’s bustling riverfront, hop aboard the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. The Tom Sawyer, a replica of a 19th-century steamboat, offers a nostalgic journey back to the era of riverboat dominance. Narrated cruises by National Park Service captains bring the history of the Mississippi River to life. Choose between a one-hour day cruise or a two-hour dinner cruise to learn about the river’s significant role in American history and its ongoing impact on St. Louis’s economy. Riverboats at the Gateway Arch provide a unique blend of education and entertainment, making it a culturally rich and fun thing to do as a family near me.

RYZE Adventure Park: Challenge and Fun for the Whole Family

RYZE Adventure Park featuring its adventure tower with over 100 obstacle challenges, perfect for family activities.RYZE Adventure Park featuring its adventure tower with over 100 obstacle challenges, perfect for family activities.

Since 2021, RYZE Adventure Park in Maryland Heights has offered a thrilling array of activities. Its four-story Adventure Tower includes over 100 obstacles, a zipline, and a free fall experience. Customize your adventure by choosing your own path through the non-linear course. For younger children, the Little Ninja Course provides 16 age-appropriate elements close to the ground. If you prefer to stay grounded, enjoy the state-of-the-art 18-hole miniature golf course, which glows with neon lights in the evening. RYZE Adventure Park offers a range of physical challenges and fun, making it an exciting option for families seeking active things to do near me.

Six Flags St. Louis: Thrills and Rides for Every Age

Six Flags St. Louis showcasing rides suitable for kids, a classic family amusement park.Six Flags St. Louis showcasing rides suitable for kids, a classic family amusement park.

Are you ready for rollercoasters? Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka is home to nine exhilarating rollercoasters, including both steel and wooden varieties, offering over 22,000 feet of combined track. This amusement park continuously adds attractions to appeal to thrill-seekers of all ages. Bugs Bunny National Park is perfect for toddlers and young children, with gentle rides and climbing areas. For summer fun, Six Flags St. Louis also includes Hurricane Harbor waterpark. Six Flags St. Louis is a classic amusement park experience, providing a wide array of fun things to do as a family near me, from gentle rides for little ones to adrenaline-pumping coasters for older kids and adults.

St. Louis Wheel: Scenic Views of the City Skyline

The St. Louis Wheel illuminated at night at St. Louis Union Station, offering panoramic city views.The St. Louis Wheel illuminated at night at St. Louis Union Station, offering panoramic city views.

Soaring 200 feet high, The Wheel is St. Louis’s tallest observation wheel. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline from enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas. For a special experience, the VIP gondolas offer luxury leather captain’s chairs, a glass floor, and educational opportunities for kids focusing on math, engineering, and geography. The St. Louis Wheel provides a relaxed and scenic activity, perfect for families looking for fun things to do near me with spectacular views and a touch of luxury.

Turtle Playground: Climbable Reptile Fun for Little Ones

Kids of all ages climbing on the giant concrete turtles at Turtle Playground, a unique and playful park.Kids of all ages climbing on the giant concrete turtles at Turtle Playground, a unique and playful park.

Before or after visiting the Saint Louis Zoo, stop by Turtle Playground in Forest Park. This playground is especially appealing to younger children who love to climb. Here, kids can clamber over giant concrete sculptures of various turtle species, including a snapping turtle, softshell turtle, and box turtles, along with oversized turtle eggs and a snake sculpture. Turtle Playground is a unique and free park, ideal for families with younger children seeking fun and imaginative things to do near me.

Victory Raceway: Indoor Go-Kart Racing Excitement

Electric go-karts racing on the indoor track at Victory Raceway, an exciting family racing center.Electric go-karts racing on the indoor track at Victory Raceway, an exciting family racing center.

Get ready to race at Victory Raceway, where electric go-karts reach speeds up to 45 mph on an indoor track. Everyone gets to drive their own kart (no two-seaters), with junior karts available for kids (minimum age six and 50 inches tall) that reach up to 25 mph. Victory Raceway provides a thrilling and competitive family activity, perfect for those seeking fast-paced and fun things to do as a family near me.

Great Outdoors: Nature and Adventure for Families

Eckert’s Orchards: Seasonal Farm Fun and U-Pick

A family picking apples at Eckert's Orchards, enjoying a traditional farm experience.A family picking apples at Eckert's Orchards, enjoying a traditional farm experience.

Experience the charm of Eckert’s, a historic orchard established in 1837 with three farms just across the river in Southern Illinois. Eckert’s offers seasonal fun throughout the year with u-pick crops: strawberries in spring, blackberries and peaches in summer, apples and pumpkins in late summer and early fall, and Christmas trees in winter. Special events throughout the year include farm animals, corn mazes, wagon rides, live music, and festive food. Eckert’s Orchards provides a delightful and seasonal outdoor experience, making it a wonderful choice for families looking for fun things to do near me that connect with nature and agriculture.

Gateway Arch National Park: Iconic Landmark and Green Space

The Gateway Arch standing tall as an example of innovative architecture in St. Louis, within a family-friendly national park.The Gateway Arch standing tall as an example of innovative architecture in St. Louis, within a family-friendly national park.

Gateway Arch National Park and its surrounding area have been beautifully renovated, offering a picture-perfect setting for visitors. The park features stroller-friendly walkways, reflection pools, and the iconic Gateway Arch itself. Take a tram ride to the top of the 630-foot monument for stunning views of the Old Courthouse, downtown St. Louis, the Mississippi River, and Illinois. Tickets often sell out, so advance booking is recommended. Gateway Arch National Park combines iconic sightseeing with outdoor space, making it a must-visit for families seeking historical and visually impressive fun things to do near me.

Meramec Caverns: Underground Wonders and Cave Exploration

Meramec Caverns showcasing stunning cave formations, a natural wonder and family day trip destination.Meramec Caverns showcasing stunning cave formations, a natural wonder and family day trip destination.

Discover Missouri’s hidden treasures at Meramec Caverns, the state’s largest commercial cave and one of the world’s most impressive. Explore awe-inspiring formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and the “wine table” and “mansion” formations, created over millions of years. Guided tours led by trained rangers take you along well-lit walkways to see some of the rarest and largest cave formations. The cave maintains a cool 60 degrees year-round, offering a refreshing escape. Additional family activities include panning for gold, ziplining, and riverboat excursions on the Meramec River. Meramec Caverns provides a fascinating and cool underground adventure, ideal for families seeking unique and naturally beautiful fun things to do near me.

Missouri Botanical Garden: Playgrounds and Natural Beauty

A group of children interacting with plants in the Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden, a great outdoor learning space.A group of children interacting with plants in the Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden, a great outdoor learning space.

Missouri Botanical Garden is home to one of St. Louis’s best playgrounds, the two-acre Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden. This garden introduces children to the importance of plants and nature in engaging ways. Kids can play in a stream, navigate a rope bridge, use locks and dams, climb a treehouse with a slide, and explore a limestone cave. The garden also features wetlands, a steamboat exhibit, and a Midwestern prairie village, bringing botany and 19th-century history to life. Beyond the children’s garden, the Missouri Botanical Garden offers vast gardens, conservatories, and serene landscapes to explore. The Missouri Botanical Garden is a beautiful and educational destination, perfect for families seeking outdoor fun things to do near me that blend play and learning in a natural setting.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center: Nature Trails and Wildlife

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center showcasing its natural forest setting, ideal for family nature walks and learning.Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center showcasing its natural forest setting, ideal for family nature walks and learning.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood offers 112 acres of oak-hickory forest to explore the natural world. One of the park’s three trails includes interpretive signage, and the nature center features exhibits, including an aquarium and a bee hive. Powder Valley is a great place for families to enjoy nature walks and learn about local ecosystems. Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center provides a peaceful and educational outdoor experience, making it a great choice for families seeking nature-based fun things to do near me.

Animal Encounters: Wildlife and Petting Zoos

Endangered Wolf Center: Wildlife Conservation and Education

Mexican wolf puppies playing at the Endangered Wolf Center, a unique wildlife conservation center.Mexican wolf puppies playing at the Endangered Wolf Center, a unique wildlife conservation center.

Discover a hidden gem in St. Louis at the Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka. This center is dedicated to saving and protecting wild canids, particularly Mexican wolves and American red wolves. The center offers daytime tours, specialized photography tours, and nighttime “howls” where you can learn about wolf communication and possibly hear wolves howl back. Meet various canid species, including maned wolves, African painted dogs, and foxes. The Endangered Wolf Center offers a unique and educational wildlife experience, ideal for families interested in animal conservation and seeking memorable and informative fun things to do near me.

Grant’s Farm: Animals, History, and Family Fun

Children feeding goats at Grant's Farm, a popular family destination with animal encounters.Children feeding goats at Grant's Farm, a popular family destination with animal encounters.

Grant’s Farm is a beloved St. Louis treasure with over 900 animals and historic architecture. Your visit begins with a tram ride through Deer Park, where you can see free-roaming antelope, deer, bison, and more. Stop to ride a camel, watch an animal show, and feed goats in the petting zoo. Visit the German-style stables to see the iconic Clydesdales and classic carriages. Adults over 21 can enjoy two free beers. Admission to Grant’s Farm is free (parking fee applies). Grant’s Farm is a classic family destination, offering a wide range of animal encounters and historical sights, making it a top choice for families seeking fun things to do near me with diverse attractions.

Lone Elk Park: Drive-Through Wildlife Viewing

Deer roaming freely through Lone Elk Park in the fall, a natural wildlife viewing area.Deer roaming freely through Lone Elk Park in the fall, a natural wildlife viewing area.

Lone Elk Park, a 546-acre wildlife management area, offers frequent wildlife sightings from your car or while walking. Follow the White Bison Trail for opportunities to spot white-tailed deer, elk, waterfowl, and wild turkeys. Lone Elk Park provides a convenient and accessible way to experience wildlife in their natural habitat, making it a great option for families looking for easy and scenic fun things to do near me.

Purina Farms: Pet-Centric Fun and Dog Shows

Kids and adults enjoying a show by the Purina Incredible Dog Team catching flying discs at Purina Farms, a pet-friendly entertainment farm.Kids and adults enjoying a show by the Purina Incredible Dog Team catching flying discs at Purina Farms, a pet-friendly entertainment farm.

Purina Farms teaches visitors about connecting with pets. The Purina Farms Visitor Center (open mid-April to October) features the Incredible Dog Arena with Purina Incredible Dog Team performances, the Pet Center with adoptable cats, and the Barn and Play area with farm animals. Purina Farms is a unique destination for pet lovers, offering entertaining and educational experiences centered around dogs and cats, making it a great choice for families seeking pet-related fun things to do near me.

Saint Louis Zoo: World-Class Animal Encounters and Conservation

Children observing polar bears at the Saint Louis Zoo, a leading zoo in animal management and conservation.Children observing polar bears at the Saint Louis Zoo, a leading zoo in animal management and conservation.

The Saint Louis Zoo is a leading zoo known for animal management, research, conservation, and education. Start at The Living World rotunda with its shark, squid, and stingray sculptures. Explore outdoor habitats with bears, monkeys, penguins, and more. General admission and street parking are free. The Emerson Zooline Railroad and the Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel are available for a fee. The Saint Louis Zoo is a must-visit, offering a vast array of animals and exhibits, making it a top destination for families seeking free and enriching fun things to do near me.

Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House: Tropical Butterflies and Plants

Children having fun at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, an enchanting butterfly conservatory.Children having fun at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, an enchanting butterfly conservatory.

Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House features over 60 species of tropical butterflies in its conservatory, along with over 150 tropical plants. Special events are held throughout the year, such as Morpho Mardi Gras and BOOterfly House. The Butterfly House is an enchanting and immersive experience, perfect for families seeking beautiful and gentle fun things to do near me in a tropical environment.

St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station: Aquatic Wonders in a Historic Setting

Children touching jellyfish at the St. Louis Aquarium, an interactive and educational aquarium.Children touching jellyfish at the St. Louis Aquarium, an interactive and educational aquarium.

St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is housed in a retrofitted 19th-century train station. Discover over 13,000 animals in 250,000 gallons of water, including green sea turtles, paddlefish, sea dragons, rays, and Lord Stanley the blue lobster. Behind-the-scenes tours are available for a more in-depth experience. St. Louis Aquarium offers an exciting and educational underwater world to explore, making it a fantastic choice for families seeking indoor and engaging fun things to do near me.

Suson Park: Farm Animals and Outdoor Play

A young girl meeting a pony at Suson Park, a family-friendly park with farm animals and playgrounds.A young girl meeting a pony at Suson Park, a family-friendly park with farm animals and playgrounds.

Suson Park in St. Louis County features a playground, catch-and-release fishing, and a working animal farm. Kids can interact with cows, horses, pigs, sheep, chickens, and turkeys. Enjoy a picnic in one of the park’s shelters. Suson Park provides a charming and accessible outdoor experience with farm animals and play areas, making it a great option for families seeking relaxed and nature-connected fun things to do near me.

World Bird Sanctuary: Birds of Prey and Wildlife Conservation

Owls at the World Bird Sanctuary, home to over 200 birds and focused on wildlife conservation.Owls at the World Bird Sanctuary, home to over 200 birds and focused on wildlife conservation.

World Bird Sanctuary is dedicated to protecting and preserving birds through conservation, rehabilitation, education, and advocacy. Home to over 200 birds, including eagles, parrots, and owls, the sanctuary offers guided tours and special events like Owl Prowls in winter. The World Bird Sanctuary offers a unique and educational wildlife experience focused on birds, making it a compelling destination for families seeking informative and nature-oriented fun things to do near me.

Museums, Galleries and Public Art for Cultural Enrichment

Citygarden: Downtown Sculpture Park and Play Area

Citygarden in downtown St. Louis is designed for families, featuring sculptures, plant life, rain gardens, fountains, and a shallow pool with a waterfall. It’s a perfect stop between the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium. Citygarden combines art with interactive play elements, making it an engaging and accessible cultural experience for families seeking free and fun things to do near me in the city center.

City Museum: Architectural Playground and Unique Exhibits

City Museum in St. Louis featuring its architectural playground, a uniquely interactive museum.City Museum in St. Louis featuring its architectural playground, a uniquely interactive museum.

City Museum is a unique attraction housed in a former shoe warehouse, blending a playground with museum exhibits. It features repurposed architectural and industrial objects, including slides, tunnels, and climbable structures. Explore a bow whale’s mouth, a 10-story slide, underground tunnels, and more. The City Museum is an incredibly unique and immersive experience, encouraging exploration and play, making it a must-visit for families seeking adventurous and unconventional fun things to do near me.

The Griot Museum of Black History: Cultural History and Education

The Griot Museum of Black History showcasing its architecture and focus on Black history and culture in St. Louis.The Griot Museum of Black History showcasing its architecture and focus on Black history and culture in St. Louis.

The Griot Museum of Black History in Old North St. Louis showcases Black history and culture through educational exhibits. The museum collects, preserves, and shares stories of Black people and their contributions to American history. Core galleries feature artifacts, memorabilia, and wax figures of notable figures like Josephine Baker and Miles Davis. The Griot Museum offers an important cultural and educational experience, making it a valuable destination for families seeking to learn about Black history and find enriching fun things to do near me.

Laumeier Sculpture Park: Outdoor Art and Nature Trails

Laumeier Sculpture Park featuring its outdoor sculptures, a spacious and artistic park setting.Laumeier Sculpture Park featuring its outdoor sculptures, a spacious and artistic park setting.

Laumeier Sculpture Park is a 105-acre open-air museum with over 60 sculptures along walking trails. View large-scale pieces, and encourage kids to interpret and name the sculptures. Laumeier Sculpture Park combines art with nature, offering a relaxed and thought-provoking outdoor experience for families seeking free and culturally stimulating fun things to do near me.

The Magic House: Interactive Children’s Museum

Families making hair stand up by touching an electrically charged ball at The Magic House, an interactive children's museum.Families making hair stand up by touching an electrically charged ball at The Magic House, an interactive children's museum.

The Magic House in Kirkwood is an interactive children’s museum with hands-on exhibits for preschoolers and young children. Explore a child-size village, scientific wonders, and cultural exhibits. Older kids will enjoy bubble experiments and a 3D printer exhibit. The Magic House offers a wide range of interactive and educational exhibits, making it a top destination for families with young children seeking engaging and fun things to do near me.

Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis: Tiny Worlds and Detailed Displays

The Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis showcasing its collection of miniature objects in detailed displays.The Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis showcasing its collection of miniature objects in detailed displays.

Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis in the Bevo Mill neighborhood features an extensive collection of miniature objects in room boxes and dollhouses. The museum focuses on the cultural and educational aspects of miniature art. The Miniature Museum offers a unique and detailed viewing experience, perfect for families interested in intricate art forms and seeking something different and visually fascinating fun things to do near me.

Missouri History Museum: Local History and Interactive Exhibits

Children playing in the History Clubhouse at the Missouri History Museum, an interactive exhibit for kids.Children playing in the History Clubhouse at the Missouri History Museum, an interactive exhibit for kids.

Missouri History Museum explores the history of St. Louis from its founding to the present day. The History Clubhouse exhibit is designed for children, featuring a skyscraper building activity, a Cahokia city play area, a 1904 World’s Fair exhibit, and a steamboat simulator. The Coloring STL exhibit allows visitors to color famous St. Louis buildings. The Missouri History Museum provides an engaging and educational exploration of local history, making it a great choice for families seeking informative and interactive fun things to do near me.

Museum of Illusions St. Louis: Mind-Bending Optical Illusions

A family posing within an optical illusion at the Museum of Illusions St. Louis, an interactive and visually stimulating museum.A family posing within an optical illusion at the Museum of Illusions St. Louis, an interactive and visually stimulating museum.

Museum of Illusions St. Louis at City Foundry STL offers perspective-changing rooms and optical illusions. Experience the Ames Room, where you appear to change size, hang from a building façade illusion, and try the Vortex Tunnel. The Museum of Illusions provides a visually stimulating and fun experience, perfect for families seeking interactive and mind-bending fun things to do near me.

Myseum: Children’s Museum and Indoor Playground

Children playing in a giant bounce house at Myseum, a children's museum and indoor playground combination.Children playing in a giant bounce house at Myseum, a children's museum and indoor playground combination.

Myseum combines a children’s museum, science museum, and indoor playground with 30 unique exhibits. Kids can dig for dinosaurs, play with glow shapes, interact with a video wall, and play at a zoo clinic exhibit. Myseum offers a diverse range of play and learning experiences, making it a great choice for families with varied interests and seeking active and educational fun things to do near me indoors.

National Blues Museum: Music History and Interactive Exhibits

The National Blues Museum highlighting its connection to Black culture and music history in St. Louis.The National Blues Museum highlighting its connection to Black culture and music history in St. Louis.

National Blues Museum explores the history of the blues and its influence on modern American music. The museum features artifact exhibits and interactive technology-driven experiences, including the opportunity to write your own blues song. The National Blues Museum offers a culturally rich and musically engaging experience, making it a unique destination for families seeking to explore music history and find fun things to do near me with a cultural focus.

National Great Rivers Museum: River History and Dam Tours

The National Great Rivers Museum sharing stories of the Mississippi River and its history, a river-focused museum.The National Great Rivers Museum sharing stories of the Mississippi River and its history, a river-focused museum.

National Great Rivers Museum shares stories of the Mississippi River. Located near the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, the museum features interactive exhibits and tours of the locks and dam. Daily tours led by staff members provide a lockman’s perspective. The National Great Rivers Museum offers an educational and unique experience focused on the Mississippi River and engineering, making it a great choice for families seeking informative and slightly adventurous fun things to do near me.

National Museum of Transportation: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Children posing with planes, trains, and automobiles at the National Museum of Transportation, a vast transportation museum.Children posing with planes, trains, and automobiles at the National Museum of Transportation, a vast transportation museum.

National Museum of Transportation features a large collection of transportation vehicles, with over 190 major exhibits. See the Union Pacific #4006 “Big Boy” steam locomotive, a 1901 St. Louis Motor Carriage Co. automobile, and Virgin Hyperloop’s Pegasus pod. The Creation Station play area is available for younger children. The National Museum of Transportation offers a vast and impressive collection of vehicles, making it a must-visit for families interested in transportation history and seeking visually stimulating and expansive fun things to do near me.

Saint Louis Art Museum: World-Class Art and Family Programs

The Saint Louis Art Museum showcasing its grand architecture and comprehensive art collections.The Saint Louis Art Museum showcasing its grand architecture and comprehensive art collections.

Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park offers a comprehensive art collection spanning time, places, and cultures. Family-friendly tours and hands-on activities are available on select Sundays, and Wee Wednesdays are designed for kids aged three to five. The Saint Louis Art Museum provides a culturally enriching and accessible art experience, making it a great choice for families seeking free and artistically inspiring fun things to do near me.

Saint Louis Science Center: Interactive Science Exhibits and Discovery

A mother and son experimenting with air flow exhibits at the Saint Louis Science Center, an interactive science museum.A mother and son experimenting with air flow exhibits at the Saint Louis Science Center, an interactive science museum.

Saint Louis Science Center offers free interactive science exhibits. Explore physics, dinosaurs, space, and build a replica of the Gateway Arch. Special exhibitions and OMNIMAX Theater films are available for an additional fee. The Saint Louis Science Center provides a hands-on and educational science experience, making it a top destination for families seeking free and intellectually stimulating fun things to do near me.

Theater and Performing Arts for Live Entertainment

Circus Flora: Acrobats and Family-Friendly Circus

Tightrope walkers performing at Circus Flora under The Big Top in St. Louis, a captivating circus performance.Tightrope walkers performing at Circus Flora under The Big Top in St. Louis, a captivating circus performance.

Circus Flora presents breathtaking circus performances at The Big Top in the Grand Center Arts District. Featuring acrobats, aerialists, and comedians, Circus Flora combines traditional and modern circus arts with emotional narratives and physical feats. Circus Flora offers a thrilling and visually spectacular live performance, making it a unique and memorable experience for families seeking entertaining and artistic fun things to do near me.

The Fabulous Fox: Broadway Shows and Theatrical Spectacle

Promotional image for Peter Pan at The Fabulous Fox in 2024, showcasing Broadway-caliber family entertainment.Promotional image for Peter Pan at The Fabulous Fox in 2024, showcasing Broadway-caliber family entertainment.

The Fabulous Fox hosts Broadway shows like Frozen, The Lion King, and Wicked. Enjoy a night of theater with spectacular lights, costumes, and music. Before the show, dine at The Fountain on Locust for ice cream and desserts. The Fabulous Fox provides a grand and impressive theater experience, perfect for families seeking a special and upscale evening of entertainment and fun things to do near me.

The Muny: Outdoor Musical Theater in Forest Park

The Muny outdoor theater in Forest Park during summer in St. Louis, a beloved outdoor musical theater venue.The Muny outdoor theater in Forest Park during summer in St. Louis, a beloved outdoor musical theater venue.

The Muny in Forest Park is an outdoor theater that has presented Broadway musicals for over 100 years. Kid-friendly productions include Matilda the Musical, Mary Poppins, and Annie. Free seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis every night. The Muny offers a magical and accessible outdoor theater experience, making it a cherished summer tradition for families seeking live musical performances and fun things to do near me.

For sports enthusiasts, St. Louis offers year-round excitement with Cardinals baseball, Blues hockey, and Battlehawks football. Check out our St. Louis sports guide for more information. St. Louis truly is a city brimming with fun and engaging activities for families, ensuring memorable experiences for everyone.

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